Follow Rupert Bear at Surbiton Station!
A new mural depicting iconic children’s comic strip character Rupert Bear has been unveiled at Surbiton Station (19 May 2025).
Ten stunning panels were installed to celebrate the famous bear and his writer and illustrator Alfred Bestall - who lived in Surbiton for 40 years. Bestall was selected to take over the Daily Express’ Rupert Bear stories in 1935.
Funded by Kingston Council, the mural honours Bestall’s 30 year career crafting Rupert’s adventures for the newspaper. The illustrator was born in Burma in 1892 and lived in Surbiton for over 40 years and during World War II he served as an air raid warden here.
The mural was organised by visual artist and local resident Stephen Norman Young, with support from the Friends of Surbiton Station. It will form part of the Surbiton Art Trail. It was designed by Stuart Trotter, Rupert’s current illustrator since 2008, as a celebration of the bear’s enduring legacy. It depicts Rupert and his family traveling from Surbiton for a holiday at the seaside.
Leader of Kingston Council Cllr Andreas Kirsch said:
I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to fund this beautiful mural to celebrate Rupert Bear, and the man who created so many of his adventures, Alfred Bestall. It will be a fantastic addition to the Surbiton Art Trail.
This is another example of the creativity and cultural significance of our borough, and it is wonderful to be celebrating it as part of our Kingston 2025 festival.
The mural is a part of Kingston 2025 programme, a six-month arts and culture festival celebrating the past, present and future of the Royal Borough of Kingston.
To find out more about what’s on across the summer download the programme of events or visit Kingston Heritage for the latest listings.